As of today, August 12, 2021, Elbowoods Memorial Health Center, Emergency Operations Center, and COVID-19 Task Force has reported on a total of 22 active positive cases on the Ft. Berthold Reservation. This news comes as a shock to us all considering that just a month ago there was a reported 0 cases.
Of the 23 positive individuals, 22 were unvaccinated. 1 individual is a break-through infection.
These active cases are in the North (New Town), West (Mandaree), South (Twin Buttes), and Northeast (Parshall) Segments currently.
By Age:
- 17 Years of Age and Younger – 8 cases
- 18-40 Years – 6 cases
- 41-59 Years – 6 cases
- 60 Years and Older – 3 cases
The current active cases show that there is a concerning rise in infection showing in the youth population group. They account for 8 out of the 22 cases, or 35%, and are at high risk of contracting COVID-19 in the near future due to the increased number of large social gatherings, travelling to high-transmission areas, and school reopening soon.
WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND EVERYONE ELIGIBLE FOR THE VACCINE THAT ARE AGES 12 AND OLDER REGISTER FOR THEIR COVID-19 VACCINES. COVID-19 is still present in our area, including the highly infectious Delta Variant, and a threat to the health and safety of the public, especially our youth. In addition, everyone is encouraged to seek regular COVID-19 rapid testing even after being vaccinated. While it is very rare, fully vaccinated individuals can still be carriers of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus and spread it to others.
Fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals should continue to:
Take precautions in public settings by continuing to wear a well-fitted mask and outdoor crowded spaces, practicing frequent hand washing/hand sanitizing, disinfecting work and living areas daily, and getting tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Reference:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html